‘Sanctuary’: Waterbury artist brings a multi-media collection of earthy hues to Axel’s through July 5
May 28, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
'Refuge' by Edith Beatty
A new exhibition moves in at Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop this week with the earth-toned multi-media creations of Waterbury artist Edith Beatty set to be on view through July 5.
Titled “Sanctuary,” the show opens May 28 with a collection of work that Beatty creates in her studio at MakerSphere on Foundry Street in Waterbury.
Her process involves working with natural earthy materials such as wood, handmade papers, unbleached paper pulp, beeswax, damar resin, marble dust, pit lime, sand, coffee grounds, shells, oils, inks, and natural pigments. Her practice includes both ancient and modern techniques, including encaustic, fresco, oil, and shibori.
'Accretion' by Edith Beatty
'Lila' by Edith Beatty
Beatty says her recent work “examines the devastation of our precious earth, and the Herculean efforts exerted to save it.” She explores turbulent current times with a nod to balancing community response, vigilance, and generosity. Her pieces aim to address conflict and resolution, destruction and rebuilding. “Viewers observe scenes of ruin and serenity, environmental concern and justice,” she said.
Viewers of Beatty’s work will see muted, monochromatic colors across images with multiple layers that blend darkness and light. The artist says she strives for serenity by experimenting with transparency and opacity, for example, by using multiple layers of molten, pigmented wax fused to conceal and reveal images, color, and texture.
Beatty says she finds sanctuary in the mountains, the ocean, and in her studio, and her hope is that viewers of this exhibit find sanctuary in the art. Beatty shows her work in curated and juried shows from Seattle to Provincetown and teaches encaustic painting. Following the Waterbury exhibition, Beatty has shows scheduled in New York, Chicago and on Cape Cod.
'Sanctuary' by Edith Beatty
Beatty will visit Axel’s for a reception on Saturday, June 7, to discuss her work. The event is free from 5 to 7 p.m. and refreshments will be served.
Except for special events, Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop is open Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
'Refuge Blue' by Edith Beatty